EMPHASIZING CONFIDENCE AND empowerment of women worldwide, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) conducted a Women’s Month forum, featuring the success stories of female trailblazers at the Abbot Rojo Hall last March 16.
The event brought together Bedan students and attendees from other campuses, such as Central Escolar University (CEU), to discuss women’s roles, rights, and representation in society. It aimed to highlight the importance of confidence and empowerment amid ongoing social issues concerning women.
Model and businesswoman Ms. Farah Ramos and beauty queen Ms. Gabrielle Basiano both served as speakers, sharing insights from their respective fields. Singer and businesswoman Ms. Jeli Mateo, originally part of the lineup, was unable to attend due to an emergency.
The program consisted of individual discussions about confidence and the story behind beauty, followed by a panel session, which allowed the students to raise questions and engage directly with the speakers, creating a more interactive discussion.
During the forum, Ms. Ramos discussed confidence, self-image, and the realities behind public perception. Ms. Basiano, on the other hand, shared her experiences in overcoming challenges and expectations as a woman in her field.
In an interview with The Bedan, SC President Mitziko Clare Yema said the event centered on women’s empowerment and confidence as its primary theme, stating that the initiative was meant to provide a platform for conversations that reflect current issues affecting women.
Yema also emphasized that the activity was not limited to women, noting the importance of involving men in the discussion.
“Being a limitless person is doing things scared,” she shared, adding that broader participation helps strengthen awareness and understanding of women’s advocacies.
Attendees highlighted the open forum as one of the most engaging parts of the event. The segment enabled them to gain perspectives beyond prepared discussions and connect with the speakers on a more personal level.
CEU student Angelo Bernard Maccay said the forum served as a reminder of issues that are not always openly discussed. “Most events are reminders or give awareness to people,” Maccay said.
Another CEU student-attendee, Janine Hazel Reodique, described the event as informative and relevant to both men and women. She emphasized the importance of addressing respect, boundaries, and equality in today’s context.
“I think ‘yung confidence is a very big factor in fighting these challenges,” Reodique said. She pointed out that confidence plays a key role in facing everyday challenges. She added that discussions like these can help individuals better understand their experiences and share them with others.
The event concluded with a call for continued awareness and participation within the community, with organizers emphasizing that empowering women “requires consistent effort beyond organized activities” and should be practiced in everyday interactions.
(With Bianca Ashley Bitanga)